A PAINTING by Scottish artist Peter Howson of Christ in the crucifixion pose went on display today after being loaned to Glasgow for at least a year.

A "STRIKING" painting of the crucifixion by renowned artist Peter Howson has gone on display to the public.

The work, which was completed more than two years ago, depicts Christ in the pose of crucifixion without the cross.

It went on show at the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art in Glasgow today after its owner loaned it to the city for at least a year.

The large work, which is more than two metres high and just over two metres wide, is hailed as one of the most dramatic paintings of Christ completed by the Scottish artist.

The painting was originally part of a London exhibition of new works by Howson in 2010.

Glasgow officials said the owners, who have not been identified, were keen to see the painting return to public display so that as many people as possible could appreciate it.

Councillor Archie Graham, chair of Glasgow Life, said: "This is a striking work by one of Scotland's best-known living artists which will surprise and intrigue visitors to the St Mungo Museum.

"Much of Peter Howson's recent work has explored religious themes and the loan of this imposing painting will help visitors to do the same."

St Mungo Museum, a venue dedicated to religious life and art, is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The museum hosted an exhibition of Howson's works in 2009, which featured 20 paintings highlighting the suffering of those who face poverty and oppression around the world.

Sean McGlashan, contemporary art curator for Glasgow Museums, explained that Howson's painting hangs in the same spot as Salvador Dali's St John of the Cross did when the gallery first opened 20 years ago.

Of the new arrival, he said: "It is a typical Howson in that Peter's work is very figurative, that's what he does, he paints the human figure and he tends to show a subtlety of deep understanding of anguish.

"He identifies with people who have suffered.

"Peter and his peers in the 80s, I do think that it was important that they paved the way for this more recent generation and Glasgow continues to turn them out from the Glasgow School of Art.

"Glasgow is incredibly important for contemporary art internationally, it punches way above its weight."